Missouri governor, Michael L. Parson, will open the 2018-2019 MBU Media Talk series on Nov. 8 at Missouri Baptist University.

The free speaker series will take place in MBU’s Pillsbury Chapel from 11 a.m. to noon.

Michael L. Parson was sworn in as Missouri’s 57th Governor on June 1, 2018 by Missouri Supreme Court Judge Mary R. Russell. He came into the role of governor with a longtime commitment to serving others with over 30 years of experience in public service.

Governor Parson previously served as the 47th Lieutenant Governor of Missouri. He was elected Lieutenant Governor on November 8, 2016 after claiming victory in 110 of Missouri’s 114 counties and receiving the most votes of any Lieutenant Governor in Missouri history.

Governor Parson served the people of the 28th Senatorial District in the Missouri Senate from 2011-2017. He served in the Missouri House of Representatives from 2005-2011. Governor Parson also served as the Sheriff of Polk County from 1993-2005. He also served six years in the U.S. Army.

Amanda Staggenborg, MBU assistant professor of public relations and communications, is the coordinator of MBU Media Talk. The series was launched six years ago to further inspire students to achieve their dreams by showcasing professionals at the top of their fields.

“The Media Talk connects students with professional practice in all types of communication,” said Staggenborg. “This year’s theme is Christian communications. Governor Parson’s faith and values guide his leadership in Missouri and is an excellent role model for our students. I’m so proud to welcome him to Missouri Baptist University as our speaker.”

Each guest is hand-picked to highlight the the types of communications-related professions that are available in St. Louis.

Previous guests include: long-time St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Bill McClellan; 5 On Your Side’s sports director, Frank Cusumano; Maggie Crane, communications director at BioSTL and previously the city of St. Louis with former Mayor Francis Slay; Bob Davidson, Mercy vice president of community relations – integrated marketing; and Christina Coleman, reporter and anchor for 5 On Your Side.